A 3-ball spirometer is a medical device used to help patients improve their lung function, particularly after surgery or during rehabilitation. Here’s a brief description in five points:

1. Three-Ball Design: The device consists of three balls that move in response to the patient’s inhalation. The goal is for the patient to inhale deeply enough to raise the balls, which indicates proper lung expansion.

2. Breathing Exercise: It’s primarily used to promote deep breathing exercises and improve lung capacity by encouraging the patient to take slow, deep breaths.

3. Incentive Spirometry: The three balls provide a visual incentive for the patient to keep up with the breathing exercises, helping them track their progress and improve their effort over time.

4. Post-Surgery Recovery: It is often used by patients recovering from surgery, especially those who have had abdominal or chest surgery, to prevent atelectasis (lung collapse) and reduce the risk of pneumonia.

5. Adjustable Resistance: Some 3-ball spirometers allow adjustment of the airflow resistance, making it customizable for different levels of lung function or difficulty.